HB Køge Women sign Japanese defender

HB Køge Women are pleased to announce the signing of Japanese defender Yukina Sakabe. The 22-year-old joins the club from NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, where she made more than 60 first-team appearances.

"With Yukina, we are bringing in an extremely composed player on the ball who is capable of playing across the entire back line. She is a disciplined and intelligent defender who consistently makes good decisions in possession. On top of that, she arrives with valuable experience from one of Japan's top clubs, having won the Japanese championship and reached the AFC Women's Champions League final," says Sporting Director Jonas Nielsen.

Sakabe made her first-team debut for NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in 2022 and quickly established herself as a regular in the squad. During the 2024/25 season, she helped the club win the Japanese league title, before following it up with a third-place finish in the 2025/26 campaign.

The 2025/26 season also saw NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza enjoy an impressive run in the AFC Women's Champions League, reaching the final before narrowly losing 1-0 to Thailand's Naegohyang.

Sakabe is excited to begin the next chapter of her career in Denmark.

"I chose to sign with HB Køge Women because I feel the team's style of play suits me very well. I am incredibly proud and excited to represent this club, and I will do my very best for the team."

Welcome to the club, Yukina!